Portrait of Queen is just the monarch’s cup of tea
THE Queen enjoyed a virtual unveiling of her latest portrait – which seemed to be just her cup of tea.
Miriam Escofet’s painting was commissioned by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as a “lasting tribute to Her Majesty’s service” to diplomacy.
The virtual visit was hosted by Sir Simon Mcdonald, head of the Diplomatic Service, who was joined by the
Spanish artist.
Ms Escofet told the Queen that she had included a hidden symbol in the painting – the insignia of the FCO – painted on to a tea cup.
The artist said afterwards: “When I explained certain elements of the painting, the tea cup, she made some amusing comments.
“She said: ‘But there’s no tea in the cup’.”
The painting took seven months. Ms Escofet had two sittings with the Queen, one atwindsor and the second at Buckingham Palace.
Ms Escofet said: “She’s very present in the room and focused on the job in hand. She has a sense of humour there bubbling under the surface.”
On the challenges of painting the Queen, she said she tried to capture the essence of the private monarch alongside the knowledge she was “probably the most recognisable person in the world”. She added: “I really wanted to catch that essence.”
LURID books about the Royal Family make headlines but the Queen and Princess Anne are steadfast in their public service.
Yesterday, the Queen “virtually” unveiled a portrait for the first time and talked with members of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office about their work during the pandemic.
Princess Anne, who turns 70 next month, works tirelessly in support of her charities.
In an age when vapid celebrities obsess about their online profiles, the princess refreshingly states she “wouldn’t go anywhere near Twitter if you paid me”.
Britain salutes their loyalty and diligence and all they continue to do to bring both colour and decency to our national life.